Her Excellency Dame Susan Dougan née Ryan

Her Excellency Dame Susan Dougan née Ryan
Governor General
St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Your Excellency,

It is with great concern for the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines that we call upon you to stop the ascension of the Public Health (Amendment) Bill 2021 passed in Parliament in the early morning hours of Friday 6th August, 2021.

In this pivotal moment, you are our last line of defense against a piece of legislation that is an attack on the individual rights and freedoms of the Vincentian people. As our Head of State, we appeal to you to stand with the people to ensure that our freedom of conscience is not infringed upon by the draconian measures of the Government.

We recognize that the Coronavirus Pandemic is a global emergency, and that it has severely impacted our way of life. However, the fact remains that the COVID-19 vaccines are still under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), and even with full approval, require informed consent from any individual who wishes to take this drug. It is our firm belief that each Vincentian should have the freedom of conscience to choose whether or not to take the vaccines. This is enshrined in our Constitution and referenced in the original Public Health Act (1977).

However, the actions of the Government to amend our Public Health Act (1977) to facilitate vaccine mandates for thousands of Vincentian’s is morally reprehensible. Furthermore, a choice between taking the vaccine or face unemployment and hardship is no choice at all. This is a glaring example of coercion and overreach of the State in its purest form.

We call upon you through careful prayer and deep reflection to stop the ascension of the Public Health (Amendment) Bill 2021. At this hour, the Vincentian people need your intervention; to stand in the gap in the defense of our constitutional rights. As the Head of State, your role is not ceremonial, but is specific in our democratic system to act in good faith and in the best interest of all Vincentians. We urge you to do the right thing and stop the ascension and enforcement of this bill which will inflict pain and suffering on our Vincentian people.

Yours Respectfully,

_____________________________
Nailah John
Rise Hairouna
Obo/The Citizens of St. Vincent and the Grenadines